- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts is a vibrant degree path that affords you opportunities for immersion in theater across a range of approaches—technical theater, playwriting, stage management, directing, applied theater, education, and any combination of these fields you can imagine.
Capitalizing on Arcadia’s liberal arts mission, small class sizes, and emphasis on global education, a BA in Theater Arts prepares you for a world of artistic possibilities. Plus, proximity to Philadelphia’s active theater community provides you opportunities to connect with industry professionals and to pursue internships and other professional work.
All performance classes, program activities, and auditions for Arcadia Theater productions are open for you to participate in. The flexibility of the major allows you to take full advantage of all that Arcadia has to offer—add a minor or double major, study abroad, and more!
Hands-On Opportunities
Students get direct experience as writers, designers, technicians, stage managers, and performers through our Arcadia Theater productions and several student performing groups.
You have the opportunity to complete an internship—often with a professional theater company in the Philadelphia area or in your own community. Your degree culminates in an original capstone project that brings your personal passions to life.
Study Abroad
Theater Arts students have pursued a range of eye-opening and world-expanding study abroad opportunities in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and many other destinations. These programs open our students’ minds to a world of learning and growth.
Featured Courses
Playwriting
Required Course
Learn the fundamentals of playwriting and helps students develop their voices as dramatic writers. You will read and respond to one another’s work, and learn through revision and working with critical feedback.
You and other students will bring stories to the stage. Hear and see your work read by others in a writing lab.
Craftwork Applications
Elective Course
Expand your skill set in highly employable, specialized techniques utilized in the entertainment industry, fine arts and theatre. Explore leatherwork, thermoplastics, millinery, mold making and casting to develop creative expertise, fine craftsmanship and critical thinking skills.
This course is focused on hands-on practical training in technical arts.
Global Traditions of Theater and Performance
Required Course
Investigate non-Western theatrical histories, performance practices and dramatic texts from across the globe. We read and discuss play scripts, watch and analyze performances on video (or live performances, if and when the opportunity arises). Units of study include China, India, South Africa, Nigeria, the Caribbean, and South America.
Introduces students to theater from around the world, in keeping with Arcadia’s emphasis on global education.
Stage Management
Required Course
Embark on a thorough introduction to all phases of stage management: pre-production, rehearsal period, tech/running, and calling a show. Learn to work in all kinds of venues, from small storefront theaters to large regional theaters. You will gain practical experience working with Arcadia Theater mainstage productions.
Students work alongside professional guest designers and directors as they stage manage program productions.
